I READ with interest the article in a recent ECHO (Shock toll of passive smoke, May 17).

The quote "it makes no sense that smokers should be in the position to inflict the dangers they implicitly accept themselves onto bystanders" sums it up perfectly.

Smokers, in the UK, are outnumbered by approx 3 to 1 (27% smoke in Liverpool area). I have heard some smokers stating that banning smoking in public places is in breach of their civil liberties and that they should be able to smoke if they wish. Civil liberties go both ways. Why should someone be allowed to smoke in a room with non-smokers? Because they have the right to smoke? Where do the rights of the non-smokers start and the rights of the smokers end?

I currently work as smoke free project manager with Health at Work, a registered charity based in Liverpool. Our small teamis working with businesses across Liverpool to help them go smoke free. We provide a full package of assistance from telephone advice/information to policy production and business benefits.

There is much scepticism a loss of business, especially in the hospitality industry. Following a recent trip to New York with the smoke free Liverpool group and after the meetings with the New York officials, I am now convinced that there is no need to fear.

In fact, many businesses have shown an increase in turnover with an extra 10,000 staff being employed in the hospitality trade since the NY legislation was implemented over 12 months ago.

FURTHER to your front page article on May 15 about the tragic death of Leanne Dennis at the Cricketeers Club in Long Lane, Wavertree, as she was celebrating her 18th birthday party.

I would like to clarify a number of points of behalf of the owners and staff of the club.

Firstly, the owners and staff were extremely saddened and distressed over this tragic event and we have offered our sincere condolences to Leanne's family.

We were all shocked to read the article about the theft of the presents and money on the night. I would like you to make clear to your readers that Leanne's family does not attach any blame over this callous act to the club or our staff.

This was a very upsetting and stressful incident for all concerned. The management closed the premises as quickly as possible as relatives and friends were understandably upset and distressed over what had happened. Staff on duty were shocked and in no frame of mind to remain on the premises.

There were about six bags containing presents that were locked in a safe room at the club overnight. These were collected by the family the following day. It appears that there were other presents that were stolen and we are appalled that any person could carry out such a heartless and cowardly act, particularly bearing in mind what had happened.

B. Washington, Director

Mindless action>

RE: Litter Disgust, (ECHO letters, May 18). My dog walking friends and I were saddened and disgusted by the vandalismand litter in Calderstones Park over last weekend.

On Sunday morning two of us picked up 24 empty beer cans and vodka bottles from one small area of the park. There were many more all over the park, some of them broken. Any that don't get picked up by the litter patrol will be smashed the following evening by the mindless individuals who seem to enjoy making a mess and vandalising our beautiful parks, to say nothing of the danger to children and animals.

On the same morning, trees had been broken, the stakes pulled up from the standard roses, the fencing from around the special bluebell garden had been broken off and burnt, and many of the rhododendrons torn off. I had suggested to several people in the afternoon, when I was walking my dog. that the flowers were there for everyone to enjoy and not picking, but I just got a mouthful of abuse.

According to the Rangers the police would rather have these vandals in the park than on the streets. Calderstones is one of the most beautiful and well-kept parks in Liverpool, recently receiving the Green Flag Award. Why can't people enjoy this superb facility and either put their litter in the bins or take it home?

An Allerton resident, (Full Name & Address Supplied)

Clear days of old>

I WAS pleased to see the photograph of Ted and Maggie Rigby in your memories section, ECHO May 18.

I remember Ted well as my mother and I used to go for our fruit and veg on a Saturday night after closing time.

My mother, like a lot of mothers, worked all week and on Saturday, so Ted allowed us to go into the shops via the back door to be served. He was kind and jovial, he would cut the bruised section out of an apple or pear with a knife, he always kept close by and give it to us as a treat.

I was only 11 or 12 at the time in about 1946/7 and the photo is just as I remember them.

Mr W. R. Cook. Kirkby

Shortpoints >

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* WHILE> I feel sympathy for Wilf Ball, after the terrible tragedy he suffered, losing his young son Johnathan in the Warrington bombing, I'm afraid he has to accept that there are rules regarding memorials ('Teddies banned from memorial', ECHO, May 21).

Several members of my family are at rest in Anfield Crematorium and we have to adhere to their guidelines regarding plaques, plants etc., otherwise everywhere would get overrun and very untidy, which no-one wants.

Mrs Jean Parry, Walton

* MY> sympathies go out to Wilf Ball, after he was told to remove the teddies from his son Jonathan's grave (Teddies Banned From Memorial, ECHO, May 21).

Has this man and many others like him who have lost young dren, not been through enough? Surely a teddy bear can't be that dangerous?

G. Simm, Padgate

* THE> advertisements I have seen stating 'Your views are helping to shape the waterfront' are some kind of joke surely?

These adverts are inviting people to go along and see plans for the Kings Dock development at a public exhibition from May 25-29.

Presumably if we all object, they'll be changed will they? Just like the Cloud was dumped when everyone thought it ridiculous.

M.A. L3 (full name and address supplied)

* I AGREE> with Susan Lee (ECHO, May 21) regarding the boy who was fined for dropping litter in his school playing field.

She is spot on when she says he should have been taught a lesson by his parents in the first place. I get sick of the parents always blaming someone else, when in fact they are the ones who should have been more responsible in the first place.

Mr H. Palmer, Wallasey

* WHAT> a coup that the Dalai Lama should choose to visit Liverpool. There are very few truly great spiritual leaders in the world and he is undoubtedly one of them.

I remember very well the Pope's visit many years ago and this ranks with that. Well done to everyone who I am sure worked so hard to get him here. I hope he enjoys his time with us on day.

E. Jennings, Crosby

* WHAT> an interesting read Joe Riley's piece on the Dalai Lama was. I have heard the Dalai Lama's name many a time, but I actually know very little about him. Now I am very much looking forward to reading about his visit. The only shame is that so few of us will get to hear his lecture.